Live music has the potential to elevate the lives of audience members, yet concert attendance may not be possible for some individuals and communities. The following organizations aim to bridge gaps in access to live music by performing in underserved communities.
Decoda Music
Community served: Underserved communities
www.decodamusic.org/
"As an artist-led collective, Decoda seeks to create a more compassionate and connected world through music—thoughtfully curating outstanding performances of live chamber music, facilitating creative community projects, and training the next generation of musical artists to rethink and reimagine their role in society."
Musicambia
Community served: Incarcerated population
www.musicambia.org
712A Monroe St, Brooklyn, NY 11221
"Musicambia uses the power of music to build supportive communities where incarcerated individuals can build meaningful connections, engage in learning, and rebuild their lives."
Music Kitchen
Community Served: New York City residents experiencing homelessness
www.musickitchennyc.org
Attn: Kelly Hall-Tompkins
P.O. Box 907
New York, NY 10040
Music Kitchen's mission is "to bring top emerging and established professional musicians together in order to share the inspirational, social/emotional, and uplifting power of music with New York City’s disenfranchised homeless shelter population."
Project Music Heals Us
Community served: Marginalized, hospitalized, incarcerated communities
www.pmhu.org
"PROJECT: MUSIC HEALS US is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide encouragement, education and healing through bringing high-quality live music performances and interactive programming to marginalized communities"
Pure Goodness Music Collective
Community served: Neighbors at Community First! Village
www.puregoodnessmusic.wordpress.com
"A roster of musicians and performers from CF!V and the greater Austin community that unite to share their talents at the village and beyond"
Street Symphony
Community served: Homeless population in Skid Row, Los Angeles
www.streetsymphony.org
1001 Wilshire Boulevard PMB 2258
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-222-6221
Street Symphony "...utilizes music to create opportunities of human connection to homeless and incarcerated communities through workshops, events, and one-on-one musical instruction."
Swan Songs
Community served: People at the end of life
www.swansongs.org
P.O. Box 41475, Austin, TX 78704
512-416-7926
"At no cost to the family or facility, Swan Songs® organizes private concerts for those with a terminal illness or nearing the end of life."
Urban Voices Project
Community served: Homeless population, Skid Row, Los Angeles
www.urbanvoicesproject.org
420 S. San Pedro Street
Suite 423
Los Angeles, CA 90013
"Rooted in Skid Row through music, community, and openhearted inclusion of the most marginalized members of society, Urban Voices Project amplifies artistic expression to improve well being, strengthen social networks, and inspire individuals to be their own best advocates."